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Boston Celtics: Complete 2017 offseason grades

By Josh Cornelissen

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 1: Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward get introduced as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 1: Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward get introduced as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images /

Drafting Kadeem Allen

The Boston Celtics have defined roles they have filled their roster with — the skilled big, the combo forward, the lockdown backcourt defender, the scoring guard. With Semi Ojeleye they drafted a player in the mold of Jae Crowder, who has since been traded away. In Kadeem Allen, the Celtics have a defensive backup for Marcus Smart.

Allen is an elite defender at the point-of-attack, capable to harrying opposing guards the entire length of the court. While standing just 6’1″, he has a wingspan over 6’9″ and can practically envelop opposing point guards. He is a relentless on-ball defender, and should be able to step in almost immediately to that role.

Offensively is where the question marks are raised. Although he improved over his time at Arizona as a shooter, that is nowhere near a strength for him, and his offensive impact may always be limited. If he can develop an NBA 3-point shot he can stick around the league in the mold of a player such as Patrick Beverly.

If he cannot, then Allen will struggle to make a full-time NBA roster. He is hyper-athletic with a high motor, but without the size or even reserve offensive ability of a player such as Andre Roberson or Tony Allen, his value will be capped.

Boston signed Allen to one of their two-way contracts to give him some time to develop in both their facility and the Maine Red Claws, giving both sides time to weigh things out. With the 53rd pick in the draft the opportunity cost was low, even if the upside is too.

Grade: B-

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